Vast, endless and breathtakingly beautiful, a natural world full of pine, spruce and birch trees, shades of greens and a rugged undergrowth that tempts exploration. A picture perfect image of a forest, but this is no book this is the view from the Inlandsbanan Train, a train ready to take you on a journey so… Read more »

Whether you’re an artist, collector of masterpieces or a creative individual with an open mind the art to be seen in Barcelona is endless. It’s a city that oozes creativity the minute you arrive and with art all around you, there is definitely something to suit the taste of each and every individual. A vibrant,… Read more »

Bursting with stories, tales, history and traditions Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland, is a city that is sure to delight. With an old medieval town and a Georgian new town, the city has a unique appearance and an individual atmosphere to it. With spectacular monuments and the dramatic Edinburgh Castle towering over the city, Edinburgh… Read more »

Fine shades of green pitted with shades of purples and greys, delicate hues of browns and creams and textures so varied they make your eyes sparkle with anticipation. The view being described is not that out of the window as the Belmond Royal Scotsman meanders along with a gentle rhythm, but the view of the… Read more »

Vibrant, eclectic and brimming with history, Stockholm a very unique city made up of 14 islands is the capital of Sweden. From the old to the new Stockholm is a city that welcomes all and wants you to embrace the excitement of discovering something new. With famous landmarks dominating the skylines, history, art and Fika,… Read more »

As far as cities across the world go, Paris really does seem to have it all. From its world-famous sights, art and museums, delightful coffee and pastries, to a totally unique shopping experience that will make your Parisian visit even more memorable. Paris is a fashion capital known all over the world where you are… Read more »

There are many ways to enjoy the wondrous scenery of Switzerland and no matter where you travel the views will open up around you in panoramic pictures that are hard to believe are even real, fairytale images of natural beauty and magical wintery scenes that will stay with you forever in a dream of winter… Read more »

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is an impressive city and I can’t think of a better word to describe it other than ‘dramatic’. The extraordinary contrast between stunning natural beauty and contemporary design especially in its architecture is impressive and will really provide a city experience like no other. Oslo is brimming with history, art… Read more »

Spanning the Rhine River, Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city with a lot to offer. Impressive Gothic architecture and a stunning Cathedral reaching up to the sky, a museum housing masterpieces by Picasso and Warhol and a chocolate museum that will make your mouth water, it is easy to see why Cologne would be a tempting… Read more »

We all get swallowed up in the commercial side of Christmas and it is all too easy to lose the special feelings Christmas time brings. It is a time for celebration, traditions, sharing precious moments with family and friends and truly indulging and relaxing, and what could be more relaxing than escaping the hustle and… Read more »

Travelling in pure luxury with Rovos Rail Pride of Africa from Cape Town you can capture the precious moments of time spent escaping the chaos of everyday life and immerse yourself fully in an experience of travel like no other. Let luxury rail travel take you to see a wonder so immense it has been… Read more »

Situated between the sea and the mountains, Barcelona is the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region and is a hot spot city for art and architecture. You will not be disappointed with the amazing choice of things to see and do in this vibrant city, the difficulty will be choosing just what to see in only… Read more »

Back in the 1980s, a gentleman named Rohan Vos bought and restored a few vintage train carriages and steam locomotive with the intention to use them as a private hotel on wheels for his family and friends to enjoy holidays in the countryside. However, he soon discovered this was a very expensive way to travel.… Read more »

Breathtakingly beautiful, a palette of natural colours mixed to delicate perfection, textures so vivid and contrasting they bring this masterpiece to life. Only this isn’t an artist’s painting we’re talking about, this is the view from the Belmond Royal Scotsman, an experience in life that is sure to awaken the senses in every way. Established… Read more »

Verona is a city in Northern Italy’s Veneto region, it is famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and is home to one of the world’s best preserved ancient structures, the ‘Arena di Verona’ a magnificent Roman amphitheatre full of history dating back thousands of years. Built during the first century AD… Read more »

Waiting smartly at the platform sits a train glistening and gleaming in midnight blue and silver, the Belmond Grand Hibernian awaits you. You’ll be greeted by a host of staff suited to perfection ready to take you off on an exquisite whirlwind adventure through the Emerald Isles. As you step aboard the train you’ll escape… Read more »

Lake Como is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful areas of Northern Italy’s Lombardy region. With its stunning natural beauty, this is the ultimate picture-perfect destination. Nestled into the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como sits in the shadows and awe-inspiring beauty of the snow-capped mountains, with ancient villages and opulent villas scattered along the… Read more »

As the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a city bursting with variety and life. A city with fascinating canals, unique architecture and so much to discover from its historical links to modern art, eateries, and boutique shops. To really enjoy an authentic experience of Amsterdam you have to hire a bike. Visitors are often… Read more »

An elegant city with a relaxed vibe, renowned for its rich collections of European art, manicured parks and sophisticated boulevards…. It can only be the Spanish Capital Madrid, an exciting city waiting to be explored. With statement architecture both old and new, tasty treats to sample and so much to see, how is it possible… Read more »

Located on the banks of the river Yamuna in the Indian city of Agra, the Taj Mahal was built to encapsulate the love a man had for his wife. Inspired by love, loss and sorrow after she died giving birth to their 14th child, the Taj Mahal is a Mausoleum that reflects love in… Read more »

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark is a small but perfectly formed city that is bursting with culture and exciting things to see and do. Full of history, art, famous landmarks, stories and tantalising cuisine, Copenhagen is a vibrant city waiting to be explored, 48 hours in this unique city is sure to create memories that… Read more »

Finely detailed yet breathtakingly dramatic, classical with modern elements and with history, art, architecture and fashion, it is easy to see why visiting Rome is so appealing. The capital of Italy is a treasure trove of archaeological and artistic gems waiting to be admired, exquisite architecture, elaborate fountains, epic views and attractions to see that… Read more »

Great things to do when you have a day in Milan. Milan in Northern Italy is the capital of the Lombardy region, and after Rome, it is Italy’s most popular city. Bursting with art, history, museums and being one of the world’s leading fashion capitals it is sure to be a whirlwind visit. Boasting a… Read more »

Famous, picturesque and stylish in so many ways, it has to be Cannes. The resort town on the French Riviera is known for the Boulevard de La Croisette that curves along the coast gleaming with glitz, glamour and style, not bad for what was originally a tiny fishing village in the 1830’s. Immaculate sandy beaches… Read more »

48 hours in Paris – Of course it’s not enough, but if you’re in France’s capital for 2 days, we’ve highlighted some of the top interests and attractions to see and do. Paris – Sophisticated, glamourous, elegant and most of all romantic, A city that exudes art, history, fashion, architecture, landmarks, mouth-watering cuisine, fine wines… Read more »

The divine elegance and grandeur of a train personifying the glamour of the golden age – it can only be the Venice Simplon Orient Express. And of course, the world’s most famous train has been experienced by some of the world’s most famous people. Below we’ve tracked down some of the best examples of the… Read more »

So you’ve got 48 hours in Venice and want to get as much in as possible? Here’s what we think you need to have on any ‘must see and do’ list for your visit. Venice is the capital of Northern Italy’s Veneto region. Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the… Read more »

One of the greatest undertakings of the 19th and early 20th Century was the construction of the Trans- Siberian Railway. Without doubt this is one of Russia’s most magnificent accomplishments. It was in 1891 on the 31st of May when Tsar Alexander III and his son marked the start of construction with a Church service.… Read more »

When thinking of Scandinavian cuisine many people conjure up images of pickled herrings or meatballs at their local Ikea cafe, however the Nordic cuisine is rich and diverse with distinct differences between countries and regions. A culinary revolution has taken place in the last few years with a highly regarded reputation for world class restaurants… Read more »

The Chocolate Train in Switzerland…A dream or reality? This train is very much a reality but full of the things that dreams are made of. Sweet tooth lovers will be in awe at the ‘The Chocolate Train’. A train fully dedicated to the world’s most delightfully delicious, delicate and tempting sweet treats. Boarding at the… Read more »

Take a journey on the luxurious ‘Palace on Wheels’ and revel in the wonder of this magnificent rail holiday. This exquisite train takes you on a unique trip of a lifetime discovering the diverse landscapes and cultures of Rajasthan in India. This exquisite seven-night adventure takes you through the extraordinary countryside of mystical India, visiting… Read more »

Did you know Strasbourg is just over five hours from London – and simply beautiful… Air travel can be an exhausting ordeal at the best of times, and with the security checks, passport control & luggage recovery all making for a veritable medley of queueing, disappointment and delays, we’re all looking for a less stressful,… Read more »

Montreux is a charming town in Switzerland that sits between Lake Geneva with its shimmering blue water and the magnificent snow topped mountains of the Alps. Montreux is a truly special place. Being in the Alps, as you can imagine, there is spectacular scenery to behold (forgive us if we mention the word ‘scenery’ more… Read more »

If you’re looking for a unique blend of adventure, activity and travel with the absolute luxury of first class food, wine and accommodation, then this trip aboard the Royal Scotsman is perfect for you. Departing from Edinburgh Waverley station the Belmond Royal Scotsman begins its Highland journey. Meandering through Stirling, Gleneagles and Perth and onto… Read more »

Our illustrious leader, Guy Saunders is soon to be taking part in the Castle Howard Super Sprint Triathlon on 22nd July 2017 – his first ever! You can sponsor Guy by visiting his sponsorship page, and here’s what Guy has to say about his forthcoming challenge: “I am taking part in the Castle Howard Triathlon… Read more »

Venice… No city in the world can compare to the mystifying beauty of Venice. Situated in Northern Italy this unique, romantic floating city consists of more than one hundred small islands linked by bridges in a shallow lagoon. With beautiful Venetian architecture, a fairy-tale atmosphere and sumptuous helpings of charm to behold, it’s no wonder the… Read more »

Book A Trip On The Orient Express ~ Through Planet Rail (of course…)! So you’re considering booking a trip on the Orient Express? Though it will be on the Venice Simplon Orient Express as the traditional Orient Express is technically retired at the time of writing. There are many vendors out there selling a wide range… Read more »

How much is it to travel on the Orient Express? Orient Express Cost Uncovered. “How much does the Orient Express Cost?” A great question we often get asked is ‘How much is the Orient Express?’ So, how much does the Orient Express cost? Well, again, we should highlight that the “Orient Express” doesn’t technically… Read more »

Where Does The Orient Express Go? One of the most frequently asked questions we get asked is “where does the Orient Express go?” This is a little bit complicated so we had better start at the beginning… The ‘Orient Express’ was a regular scheduled train service which ceased to operate in 2009. The train often… Read more »

October 10, 2014 I had requested some free time this morning. As it was damp again we decided to check out the pool. And what a treat the pool here is. It is dark with mood lighting and gentle music, the floor of the pool is like sand with starfish and shell embedded into it… Read more »

October 9, 2014 When we looked at our grand old hotel on the lake Maggiore front yesterday I said to Mel that I wanted the room on the top floor on the right hand corner. It just looked such a perfect room… so imagine my surprise when we opened the door and it was that… Read more »

October 7 2014 Yesterday was one of my favourite days of this holiday. Feeling better, we went out for a walk before we took the taxi to the station. We went to the nearby church of Santa Maria del Popolo and managed a look round inside before the 8am mass started. It is extremely ornate… Read more »

October 4, 2014 It was quite sad sitting on our little balcony overlooking the Bay of Naples yesterday – our last day in Sorrento. Although the area is so commercialised and busy we both loved the views and especially the Amalfi coast. It’s an absolute must for anyone interested in beautiful sea vistas! Although we… Read more »

October 2 2014 I have heard and read a great deal about the Amalfi coast road but absolutely nothing prepared me for the spectacle that we saw yesterday. We took one of the red hop-on-hop-off buses from Sorrento (so busy we could not get on the first but were given priority slips for the following… Read more »

October 1, 2014 I know that the UK has been getting brilliant weather as well – but it doesn’t seem at all like October. Yesterday we went up for breakfast for the first time and we were staggered at both the array of breakfast food and the amazing views from the room. Up on the… Read more »

September 27, 2014 We arrived in Florence tired but truly excited and trundled through the streets to our hotel. When we got to the square it was in it took a while to locate it as many hotels don’t have big signs. I could almost taste the gin and tonic as we walked in and… Read more »

With Mothering Sunday soon upon us we thought what a great time to have a look at how we can help you celebrate this special day here at Planet Rail. If you would like to spoil your mother with something a little different this Mother’s Day, we have a fantastic fine dining experience on board… Read more »

Venice Simplon Orient Express to Berlin in 2017. Visit Berlin On the Legendary Venice Simplon Orient Express Berlin is a wonderful city that is bursting with cultural delights and rich in history. Soak up the extraordinary atmosphere of this unique city with a luxury London to Berlin trip on board the legendary Venice Simplon Orient… Read more »

Happy New Year and welcome to 2017. We thought we’d start the year with a post to introduce you to some fantastic days out to in the UK that celebrate our iconic railways right here in Blighty. We are lucky to have such fascinating history in this country,… Read more »

Explore the Netherlands & Belgium by First Class Rail Discover three of Europe’s most iconic cities in a seven day break with Planet Rail, transporting you to Bruges, Amsterdam and Brussels in the comfort of First Class train travel. The journey begins in London, where you board the Eurostar and settle down in Standard Premier… Read more »

We’ve shared some of the most iconic rail journey videos here to give a flavour of some of the adventures we can help you to experience in 2017 Do you want to know what it’s really like to experience and Orient Express Holiday? Perhaps you’re curious to know what the Belmond British Pullman is like inside? Or… Read more »

Italy by rail There’s no place quite like Italy… It is Europe’s hub of art, history and culture. The Land of Love, and our affectionately named ‘Boot’. Discover Italy by Rail Italy by rail – sitting snug in the heart of Southern Europe, nestled beneath France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, its peninsula kicks out… Read more »

Switzerland By Rail September 2016 At Planet Rail, it’s not just our customers who believe we offer an award-winning combination of excellent service and wonderful holidays with carefully chosen itineraries, rail routes and hotels. It’s not just our customers who choose a Planet Rail holiday but our staff do too! When planning her recent holiday,… Read more »

We always ask our travellers to feed back to us on their holidays and love to hear how their trips went. So we’ve taken a few of our most recent pieces of feedback and think you’ll find them interesting – we think they give a really good picture of what one of our favourite and most popular Orient… Read more »

September 26,2014 It’s a nice early start again for the short walk to the station to catch the Bernina Express. It was easily the coldest it has been so far but very sunny and all our worries about the weather in Switzerland have been well and truly quashed. We had read during our research, that… Read more »

India’s Palace on Wheels: As the seventh largest and second most populous country in the world, India is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Occupying 3.2 million square kilometres of Planet Earth’s largest continent, India consists of three major zones – the mesmerizing Himalayas, the lush Indus-Ganga and the ancient Deccan plateau. Its impressive… Read more »

The Trans-Siberian Express: a unique rail travel experience. For more than 100 years the Trans-Siberian Railway has connected west and east Russia, its network branching off into Mongolia, China and North Korea. Construction commenced in the late 1800s, under the supervision of Russian ministers who were personally appointed by Tsar Alexander III. In 1916, the… Read more »

Discover the delights of north Spain aboard the Transcantábrico, one of the world’s finest tourist trains. Climb up the picturesque mountains, wind through the lush valleys and stream past the glorious coastlines of the country’s northern region, punctuating your journey with visits to Spanish gems including Palencia, Bilbao and Gijon. El Transcantábrico Clasico offers a week-long train… Read more »

September 25 2014 I have to say I have been overwhelmingly impressed with people we have met throughout Switzerland. They have all been so efficient and pleasant and how easy they make it for us by speaking English – the knock on effect of this is how guilty it makes me feel for not speaking… Read more »

The Grand Tour of Italy – Discover Italy by Train: An Authentic Italian Experience by First Class Rail There’s something extra special about Italy. Tucked beneath France, Switzerland and Austria, Italy’s infamous boot extends into seas of southern Europe, its Mediterranean coastline extending across an impressive 7,600km. Playing host to some of the most beautiful… Read more »

An African Adventure Aboard the Pride of Africa – Planet Rail Straddling 1.2 million square kilometres across the southernmost tip of Africa, South Africa is the world’s 25th largest country. It is a place of beauty and wealth, where the weather is warm and spirits are warmer. Over the last twelve years SA has undergone… Read more »

Spain by Rail: a mosaic of cultures Perhaps a predictable choice for the British holidaymaker, Spain remains at the top of the chart for sunny getaways, and Spain by rail is fast becoming one of the best ways to explore this vibrant country. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the most visited countries in… Read more »

The Belmond Royal Scotsman is the Caledonian answer to the Orient Express. This luxurious cruise train offers a variety of Highland holidays, ranging between two and seven night tours aboard. Travelling from the capital’s Waverley Station, the Royal Scotsman winds its way north through stunning scenery, passing glens, skirting lochs, and following miles and miles… Read more »

Explore and Indulge in Europe’s Imperial Cities By Train Our Imperial Cities holiday is a unique experience, combining the pleasures and treasures of central Europe with luxury rail travel. This outstanding train journey highlights the Habsburg cities of Prague, Budapest and Vienna – not forgetting the German gems of Berlin and Nuremberg to commence and… Read more »

September 24, 2014 Blue Skies and altitude sickness Yesterday it was blue sky all the way for us as we took the train up Jungfrau. We had reserved our seats for this part of the train holiday – which was a good thing as even though this is off season it was very busy. So… Read more »

September 23, 2014 What a sunrise in Wengen! After only a few hours’ sleep, here I am waiting for sunrise and for the view outside our window to open its delights for me. Already I can see the mist tumbling down the sides of the ravine like an amazing waterfall. It looks as if it… Read more »

September 22, 2014 In search of snow Our train holiday continues and we’ve just sat down on the train from Geneva to Bern – the IR2523 – after an easy transfer from our hotel by tram and a quick cup of coffee at the station. The trams here in Geneva are especially efficient in our… Read more »

September 21 2014 In Geneva’s Parks and Tapas We enjoyed an over-priced lunch in a beautiful setting by the Lake, followed by a walk in the Botanics which were nice but not a patch on those in Edinburgh. We were also surprised to see no sign of a cuckoo clock, but in true Swiss style… Read more »

September 20 2014 Paris We are incredibly excited this morning, waking up and remembering instantly that we’re going to be travelling to Switzerland today – I’ve always wanted to visit the country, so why the heck has it taken me sixty-two years to do it? It is, after all, right on our doorstep. There was… Read more »

September 19, 2014 Edinburgh Waverley Station Having been up all night watching the results of the big vote (The Sottish Referendum on Independence) we arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station tired but relieved and ready to start our much anticipated train holiday. It would have been sad to go away and to think that everything would… Read more »

At Planet Rail we know that a rail holiday taking in the sights and senses of a multitude of cultures and countries is a wonderful thing, and we’re always happy to share as many of our own thoughts and experiences as possible with new travellers. However… …Sometimes, a more personal view is a valuable… Read more »

We are delighted to let you know that Planet Rail has once again been shortlisted in the British Travel Awards. This year we are proud to have been nominated in a 2nd category, the “Best Holiday Company for Customer Service” The British Travel Awards are the most prestigious of their kind in the travel industry. So we are… Read more »

As the leaves turn brown, the clocks go back and the nights draw in, if you are looking for a Winter escape by rail, we hope that you will find inspiration from our suggestions below.As you know all of our holidays are tailor-made and can be adapted to suit your individual requirements, so please feel free… Read more »

Planet Rail is delighted to offer two new winter cruises with AmaWaterways, combining First Class rail travel with some of Europe’s best river cruises. The 7 night wine themed Seine River Cruise to Paris & Normandy on board the 5 star AmaLegro on 20th November 2014 – Prices from £1,799 per person. The 7 night… Read more »

We can’t wait for our next Planet Rail holiday to begin. We have a group departing this Thursday 12th September, to scenic Switzerland via the fantastic Glacier Express! We thought it would be nice to share with you all some of the sights we will be treated to on our train holiday. Our first class… Read more »

Book by Friday 24th May for a free cabin upgrade on board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. At Planet Rail we are offering you a 5 night and 6 day – trip of a lifetime on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for just £2,795 per person including a free cabin upgrade. The upgrade alone which is to a cabin suite… Read more »

“Enjoy your romantic honeymoon!” are words many of us will have heard, or even shouted as we wave off the newly-weds. But what do we mean by ‘romantic’, what images does this conjure? Is it sun, beaches and palm trees or unique and captivating cities? Is it magical and picturesque scenery, mountain peaks and sparkling… Read more »

Planet Rail is delighted to introduce a new range of Cruise by Rail holidays, combining First Class rail travel with some of Europe’s best river, canal and ocean cruises. Please check our Cruise by Rail section for exciting new cruise itineraries and destinations which will be added in the coming weeks. Read more »

Tailor Made

For more information on any of our tailor-made holidays, or to book now…Call 01347 82 52 92